The Missouri Valley Conference announced on Wednesday that their conference tournament will remain in St. Louis through at least the 2018 season.

The league will also hold an option to keep the event, known as Arch Madness, at the Scottrade Center in 2019 and 2020. Chicago and Kansas City were also under consideration.

“This was an important decision for our conference, and we are excited to be able to continue the remarkable run that our tournament has enjoyed in this neutral city,” said Elgin. “We are indebted to Scottrade Center, the St. Louis Sports Commission, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission and all of our partners in St. Louis who have made it possible for us to grow Arch Madness in a first-class fashion.”

“I’d like to commend two other cities — Chicago and Kansas City — who put together very compelling proposals. The amenities offered, coupled with the professionalism they displayed, made this a very challenging process for our membership.”

This year’s MVC tournament will be the 25th consecutive held in St. Louis.